In what "many employees at Staples Center view as the 'LaVar Ball rule,'" the Lakers this season are "enforcing 'an existing policy' that no longer allows members of the media to congregate in a section of the arena among family and associates of players after games," according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com. Family, friends and agents wait for players in the seats "behind the basket closest to the visiting team's locker room at the conclusion of games." Interviews "conducted in that designated area and near the tunnel leading to the arena corridors are now forbidden." If a media member is "recognized in that area now, arena security or Laker staffers direct that he or she leave the area." A team spokesperson said, "It's not a new policy; it's an existing policy." LaVar, father of Lakers G Lonzo Ball, is "also not permitted to do interviews on the court, something he did on opening night" after the Clippers defeated the Lakers. The league's rule is that an individual "must be credentialed in order to enter onto the court." LaVar "hasn't done an on-court interview since" (ESPN.com, 12/4).
